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Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma Causes

The cause of angiosarcoma is usually unknown. However, angiosarcoma could occur in a part of the body that has previously been exposed to radiation. This type of angiosarcoma can become aggressive, while responding to treatment poorly.
Another type of angiosarcoma may develop in patients with chronic lymphedema in the leg or arm. Doctors call this rare disease as “Stewart-Treves syndrome”.

Angiosarcoma Definition

Angiosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that develops from the blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Such tumors could occur in any part of the body, but they mostly appear in the neck, head, legs and arms.

Angiosarcoma Diagnosis

Diagnosis of angiosarcoma is achieved through a physical examination, a computerized tomography scan (CT scan), x-rays and a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI scan).
The only method of confirming diagnosis is through biopsy of the affected tissue.

Angiosarcoma Symptoms and Signs

Angiosarcoma usually causes no symptoms and shows no signs during the early stages. However, as the tumor grows, it could cause swelling or lumps. It may later cause pain if the affected area is pressed on nerves and muscles.

Angiosarcoma Treatment

Treatment of the early stages of angiosarcoma usually includes surgical removal of the tumor with radiation and chemotherapy. In severe or later stages of the disease, treatment of angiosarcoma becomes difficult. However, it may still include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.